The Distilled Spirits Program consists of two divisions: Wholesale Operations, which includes Purchasing and the Distribution Center; and Retail Services.

Wholesale Operations

The Purchasing staff coordinates the movement of liquor from distilleries and importers for timely delivery to OLCC’s Distribution Center. They also monitor statewide sales trends and assist in the selection of new products.

The Distribution Center receives liquor shipments daily and warehouses the product. The liquor orders are filled and arranged for shipment to liquor stores, military bases, and Native American Reservations. Distribution Center staff settle claims for damaged or defective goods.

Retail Services

The Retail Services Division oversees the daily operations of liquor stores. Retail Services personnel work closely with independent contractors (liquor store operators) to understand liquor regulations and store operating procedures. They also assist in managing the state's liquor inventory to ensure liquor products are available to customers.

The State owns the distilled spirits in each store. The OLCC appoints independent contractors (liquor store operators) who are responsible for the stores’ daily operations. The liquor store operator and personnel are part of a small business operation and are not state employees.

There are two types of liquor stores to serve the public: exclusive and non-exclusive.

Exclusive stores are generally located in metropolitan areas and are high volume businesses whose primary function is selling liquor. Exclusive stores may also sell authorized related items such as glassware, mixers and items used in preparing a drink.

Non-exclusive store are operated in conjunction with another business such as hardware, drug or grocery stores. Non-exclusive stores usually serve smaller communities and unique settings.

To ensure adequate service, liquor stores are required to be open a minimum of eight hours a day, except Sundays and legal holidays. Stores must be open between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., but cannot open before 7 a.m. or close later than 10 p.m. Liquor store operators have the option of being open on Sundays and legal holidays with hours of operation varying from store to store.